...is forever a special song for me.
When we took custody of Little Bug, he was on this "different" sleep schedule where he would take a third nap from 7-8 pm. So, a few hours after taking custody of him, we found ourselves in the hotel room, trying to figure out how to put him to sleep. Up until then, he had been okay. Once he figured out he was supposed to nap with us, all hell broke loose, and Appa and I stared wide-eyed at each other.
I had prepared for grief and fear from our boy, but in that first moment when it was "GO TIME," I was sort of at a loss. So, I started singing the only song I could think of...."Row, Row, Row Your Boat." I continued to sing it in one long breath for approximately 20 very long minutes until Little Bug fell asleep.
This is funny for a few reasons. 1. I am the oldest of 5 kids. I know tons of songs and lullabies. 2. Row, Row, Row Your Boat has never been a favorite of mine or particularly used in my home growing up.
A quick search on the ever all-knowing w*k*pedia give this insightful analysis of the song.
The lyrics have often been used as a metaphor for life's difficult choices, and many see the boat as referring to one's self or a group with which one identifies. Rowing is a skillful, if tedious, practice that takes perfection but also directs the vessel. When sung as a group, the act of rowing becomes a unifier, as oars must be in sync in a rowboat. The idea that man travels along a certain stream suggests boundaries in the path of choices and in free will. The third line recommends that challenges should be greeted in stride while open to joy with a smile. The final line, "life is but a dream", is perhaps the most meaningful. With a religious point of view, life and the physical plane may be regarded as having equivalent value as that of a dream, such that troubles are seen in the context of a lesser reality once one has awakened. Conversely, the line can just as equally convey nihilist sentiments on the meaninglessness of man's actions.
Ohhh, sooooo meaningful. Clearly I chose this song subconsciously.......
No matter the reason, I rarely sing this song to Little Bug. Like I said, it's just not a song that pops into my head. However, tonight it popped out while I was rocking Little Bug to sleep. Although Little Bug most assuredly will never remember that first song, I will never forget it.
It's like my motherhood theme song.
Coincidence (or not) but this is the SAME song I sang Gabe when he came home. I would sing it over and over and over. It was the only song I could think of from the exhaustion and it seemed to be the only one that calmed Gabe in any way. I think it may be the low tones and rhythm.
ReplyDeleteI would sing it so much that I would change the words to talk to Dave. Like 'once he falls asleep, I will move him to the bed, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily...'
Thanks for giving me the wikipedia entry on it...it's a special song for me too.
that is so special! wow.
ReplyDeletewhy is it that when you are tired and in a bind you can only think of 1 song. i could only think of Christmas songs. i remember singing silent night to Cohen. in May. maybe i was subconsciously hoping for one :).